#analyzing characters

so basically the scene im talking about is the one above and why (because fuck you l like adam and lute) it means so much to me

first off when do we actually see adam smile and im not talking about when he's being an asshole to charlie or making some unfunny sex joke. I'm talking about when he looks genuine.

Like he looks actually happy, not entertained but happy because thats what it is with charlie. He's smiling because he's entertained with her reactions and how pissed he's making her.

Whenever we see him smile it has this almost evil feel to it (whether that be with the teeth in the mask that he wears or not although it probably is... i'll get to that later). It feels like he's meant to be the villain. He's meant to be someone you're meant to hate. So why in this scene does it make you feel bad for him and lute? (almost depending on the person cause yes i know some of you jumped up with joy at this, i aint judging)

it makes you feel bad because there's something human in this scene whether we like it or not. that also comes with the removal of their masks. we've never seen adam without his mask so him losing it in this scene provides us with the sense that 'hey hes still human' he's not some eldritch being sent from hell/heaven. he's a guy.

this also comes with the removal of lutes mask. we see her genuine emotion. we actually see her being to cry something that honestly seems almost out of character for her seeing as she's pretty much that one character whos like 'fuck it lets power through this'

this also is similar to adam smiling cause it shows you that in the end he wasn't a total asshole.

but back to the masks. the masks make them have pretty sharp looking teeth which is something that we associate with sharks or some sort of predator. yet removing the teeth (actually adam doesnt even smile with his teeth) you suddenly get a lot more of a human feeling

they dont feel like a villain anymore (even though thats what they are) they feel like a person. it doesnt make him feel like a threat anymore so you have an actual ability to feel bad for him.

but moving on (i ramble a lot so this may not stay on track but its fine :D ).

our last scene of adam in this entire show (im pretty sure like yknow... direct scene) is him smiling. him showing genuine human emotion. because whether or not you guys wanna admit it adam was the first human, and he does have feelings that pertain to humans. so why have this be our last view of him? of him being quite literally beaten down.

well personally i feel like this is because the show wants us to see him as lute sees him. she saw him (as from what ive gathered) as a genuine friend. she actually liked his company and liked hanging around him.

so this pushes her idea and avenging adam or getting revenge for his death. if we didnt have this scene her just getting upset at lilith and taking charge randomly and getting just randomly mad at the hotel would be kinda... eh.

like it wouldnt make for that good of a story.

but with our last moments of adam being him smiling at lute it shows us basically something else. that he cared, for what? we dont really know but he cared for something because its clear that the extermination failed and adams dying. hes fucking dying something he seemed so upset over two seconds ago screaming and shouting how he shouldnt die or whatever

so its most likely that he cared for lute making this scene all the much sadder. besides its the only thing we can assume seeing that lute was the last thing that he saw before passing on.

also ive seen theories that make a lot of sense with lute being the only one who stuck it out with adam till the end. lilith left him, eve was created from his fucking rib and yet she most likely left him. so he probably died pretty damn along the first time around

so lute being there for him and showing that she cared for him and that she still cares for him probably meant a lot. most likely because she stuck around until his death, she stuck around till the end which once again, he died alone the first time and dying with someone with you the second probably means a lot

"Characters do not have a psychology."

Of course, the answer one might have on the spot is: "No! Characters can have trauma! They can have personality disorders, or complex psychologies, and deep personalities, and personal growth! Characters do have a psychology!"

Except the answer is no. Because whatever "psychology" they have is not an actual psychology. It is not a human psychology. It is not what psychologists actually studied. It is not the psychology of a living being.

Whatever psychology characters have is the ILLUSION of a psychology. It is a fake psychology, an artificial psychology - meant to trick the audience into believing the characters are real people. (If the psychology is even here - because many characters are created specifically to NOT feel like real persons).

Because what TRULY moves characters is not a trauma, or a familial experience, or a personality type. It is what SEEMS to move the character, it is what the author "wraps" or "dresses" the character in... But ultimately, when you analyze, when you understand the character, to treat them as if they had an actual psychology - as if they were real people - is useless.

What truly moves the characters are... Oh, many things! The rules of the genre. The intentions of the author. The needs of the plot. The ambiance of the story. Symbols scattered throughout the tale. The cultural ancestors of the character's archetype. The expectations of the audience. The cultural context the novel was written in. And many, many more things.

All of this can form the illusion of a psychology. The author or creator of the character can even add more "veils" and "tricks" and "pieces" to the character to strengthen this illusion of a psychology - mentions of specific mental illnesses, cycles echoing a familial setting, specific traits the author selected to correspond to the character's intended personality... But ultimately it all stays artificial. Planned, prepared - but more especially, carefully selected and worked on to fit the project of the story, and the needs of the plot.

Ok so a lot of people like these kinds of posts??? So I guess I’ll do some more???

There are A LOT of parental! RoyEd examples throughout both series, but Episode 39: “Secret of Ishbal” really takes the cake for this kind of content. So I figured I’d write an analysis on it for you guys.

(Exasperated parents face)

•Ok so the first prominent example I see is obviously when they meet up after Ed and Al discovering Havoc and Breda following them. Immediately they start to banter, Roy saying, “Can’t say I was expecting to see you here Ed.” Ed immediately reacted, expecting an off hand comment about his height. But the funny thing is, Mustang smiles at this, immediately reacting to protect Ed when the other lieutenant what’s his face bad guy dude (Archer apparently but whatever) goes for his gun.

•This is like a “thank god you’re ok and you’re still you” kind of moment, after all Mustangs been hearing all this stuff about him messing up stuff as usual. Thing is, no matter how many times it happens, parents can’t help but get worried. Of course, when telling Ed about what he’s heard, Ed looks away, like a child getting scolded, wouldn’t you say?

•Roy immediately gets serious, saying, “No more. From now on, you’ll be working under my command.” He’s now gotten over that “oh good you’re alive” phase and is now at the phase of, “I’m going to keep you close so I can keep and eye on you so you’ll stay that way.” Al immediately protests, but Roy cuts him off, “You’re lucky Havoc’s patrol picked you up. It’s dangerous out here.” Roy is obviously worried about both of them, it’s not hard to spot.

•This was more of a bonus, but look at the positioning of this frame. If Ed hadn’t moved to the window, I bet that Roy would’ve moved closer to bad guy what’s his face so he could shield Ed and Al from him. But that’s more speculation on my part rather than facts.

•The next big scene is this one, where there is a big family dinner meet up with the Mustang gang (as I coined it), where Mustang questions Ed’s motivates for catching Scar. He’s leaning forward, his attention completely on Ed. Ed reply’s pretty nonchalantly, showing he’s comfortable around Roy. Pretty parental “how was your day” kind of vibe except military fashion, if that makes sense. Ed than questions what the map on the table is.

•Obviously he sees the Grand Archanem (spelling is fun) transmutation circle and immediately accuses Scar of doing it on purpose. Mustang and Hawkeye go into military mode, questioning why Ed would think this:

•Notice how this frame is positioned as well. Reminds you of something? Maybe your parents? That’s what I thought anyway, more speculation on my part.

•Ed, of course, asks what the city is called, discovering that it is Leore. Ed gets angry, asking why no one told him about it. Mustang responds with, “I got the report from Hughes. And I made the decision not to tell you.” And when Ed questioned why, he said, “Because it was too big for you.” We don’t get to see Mustang’s facial expression in this scene, but his voice raises slightly. Of course, this could be him talking over Ed or him being frustrated, but I don’t think he wants to be in this position, because it would put a damper on the boys spirits at the prospect of one of their victories falling sideways.

•In the next scene, Mustang’s unit is outside talking about how the Elrics don’t know about Hughes death. They all agree that they can’t tell them, because Ed’s work is too important at the moment for him to be mourning Hughes death. Hawkeye says a key line here about why Mustang isn’t telling Ed and Al about Hughes: “The Elric brothers have entangled themselves in a very dangerous web. The Colonel wants them to be under his supervision now. That’s the real reason he’s keeping them close.” This line is key because it proves one of my main points: Mustang cares about the brothers. And because Hawkeye is the character who knows him best, and is almost always at his side, it would be pretty hard for her to be wrong about that. Of course after that line Al comes and asks where his brother is.

•Now these next two scenes are one of the biggest reasons I decided to analyze this. They are dead give aways that Mustang cares about the brothers, and while this is more Ed-centric, it definitely applies. So, Ed is dealing with Archer to let him go into Leore, when Mustang bursts in. Literally his first line is, “Edward, what are you doing in here?!” He obviously was looking for our favorite blonde Alchemist, and his reaction shows that he does not want Ed to be around Archer. And honestly, who would be? Archer makes a comment about Mustang overreacting, most likely sensing that Mustang was worried about Ed, and tells him Ed wants to go scouting in Leore. Mustang tries to cover his concern by referring to Ed as a “prized state alchemist,” but come on Mustang we all know you were worried. Let me just note that throughout this scene Ed won’t look at Mustang, and for the magority of the next scene as well. It’s like when you avoid eye contact with your parents when you’ve done something bad in public, wouldn’t you say? Mustang does look at him though, looking pretty concerned. When Mustang heard that Ed is leaving Al behind, he becomes even more concerned.

•This next scene really takes the cake for being the best parental! RoyEd example I’ve seen in cannon. So let me give you the breakdown: Ed and Roy are walking through the hallway as Roy says, “Why the hell didn’t you come to me?!” To which Ed replys, “Well, because you wouldn’t have said yes.” Roy says, “You’re not thinking straight, you’re upset because you just learned the truth about Leore.” Ed turns around, making eye contact with Roy and bitterly replies, “And I wonder who I have to blame for that.” And walks away while Roy is left stand and frown, Ed’s face shadowed. This scene, wow. It’s crystal clear that Roy wants to protect them, and keep them in his sights, but Ed knows he needs to help there, because it’s his responsibility. Roy actually sighs a little as Ed walks off. He wants to protect Ed, but can’t, not only because Ed is stubborn and has trust issues, but also because Ed has a strong sense of will and a steady moral compass.

Warning: it might sound a bit comedic, but that’s how I generally sound when I’m excitedly exposing my discoveries.

Warning 2: I took about 99.9% of the images directly from the film, most of them are for illustrating whatever I’m affirming, I DO NOT OWN THEM AT ALL!

Warning 3: this is long. Reeeally long.

 Kung Fu Panda 2 has a special place in my heart: one of my favorite movies, possibly my favorite animated movie ever! Everything in this movie is downright amazing: the animation, the score, the relationship between the characters, the development they had from the previous movie, all the fight scenes, the way they treat certain subjects of family and identity, the new characters... And, of course, the villain.

Let me tell you, Lord Shen is quite the antagonist. The peacock was quick to steal my heart and become one of my favorite characters. That struck me as odd: what makes him so fascinating? I was determined to find out, so I started analyzing! And oh boy: this is one complex character. Much more than I initially thought! 

 I re-watched Kung Fu Panda 2 three times in a roll: first casually, second with production commentary, and third with my own analytical look. I might have a problem.

 Here you have my notes from that adventure:

Wendigo

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(not spoiler free, I have watched up to 15x13 and this is directed to an audience that has seen that far as well)

So we all know Supernatural isn’t that good at being culturally aware: https://www.backstoryradio.org/blog/the-mythology-and-misrepresentation-of-the-windigo/

But ... anyway...

We start out with Sam at Jessica’s grave: “I should have protected you, I should have told you the truth” D’: I will cry for days.  Honestly though, what if he had? What if she had joined them on the quest to find John? I would watch that show. Addriane Palicki hunting monsters?? sign me the eff up!

Haha, now Dean says “after 20 years” either he’s rounding down or they forgot they changed it to 22 years. Who knows

Dean:“Since when are you all shoot first, ask questions later anyway?” Sam:“Since now.”

I’ve seen a lot of people analyzing the way Sam deals with grief, that it usually makes him fight harder instead of shut down, and you can see that here in the beginning. We can tell from the way Dean is acting that it would normally be Sam who would wait to gather more information, do this the smart way, but instead he doesn’t want to waste any time.

Hailey: “Our parents are gone. It’s just my two brothers and me. We all keep pretty close tabs on each other … I can’t sit around here anymore, so I hired a guide. I’m heading out in the morning and I’m gonna find Tommy myself.” Dean: “I think I know how you feel.”

Here we have our first filler episode parallel family. Tommy is the missing family member (John) Hailey is the protective older sibling who will stop at nothing to save their family (Dean) and Ben is the little brother who gets pulled into it (Sam).  Interesting that Dean’s parallel is a girl ... but I suppose that makes for optimum straight flirting. But I’m used to that being Sam’s (like in Halloween episode in season 14). hmmmm .... things to consider.

Aww hanging out in a bar … Oh hey Sam grabbed his laptop this time. No more library computer.

Also, look how deep Sam is getting into hunting research. He didn’t even want to look into it, he just wanted to go find their dad, but once he gets started he digs in deep.

The lighting is so DARk. My gosh.

Cue emotionally sensitive Sammy! Puppy dog eyes, moving in to sit at eye level with the vic, sincere.

“Why it left me alive … been asking myself that ever since.” Time for Sam to feel some parallel! Survivor’s guilt, first from his mom, now from Jess, not understanding why he’s the one who was left alive.

DEan let Sam use words. Corporeal isn’t even that fancy of a word.

“Her brother’s missing, Sam. She’s not just gonna sit this out.” O.O (unashamed parallels)

Dean like “what do you mean I didn’t pack provisions” with his giant bag of m&m’s lmao. Love him.

Wow, look at Sammy taking charge. <3 Once again, this whole episode is just showing how at home Sam is in a world of monsters. Even Dean, who is a very good hunter, didn’t put the clues together as quickly as Sam in this case.

DEAN “You wanna tell me what’s going on in the freaky head of yours?”

SAM “Dean--”

DEAN “No, you’re not fine. You’re like a powder keg, man. it’s not like you. I’m supposed to be the belligerent one, remember?”

This was honestly a really interesting choice on the writer’s part, to introduce one of the main characters in an emotional state when he is acting so unlike himself. We didn’t get to see much of Sammy pre-Jess’s death. So, we just know that he’s acting out of character based on Dean’s observations. Dean is the belligerent one, Dean usually shoots first and asks questions later. And the show does follow up with this, in later seasons I think we would all agree that Sam usually likes to ask questions, understand the situation, and Dean is much more headstrong and “belligerent.” But when Sam is grieving, he becomes different.

Dean: “Saving people, hunting things, the family business” (Hooray more memed lines!) Sam: “that makes no sense, why doesn’t he just call us? Why doesn’t he tell us what he wants, tell us where he is?” Dean: “I don’t know. But the way I see it, Dad’s given us a job to do, and I intend to do it.”

Ok, this is bringing up another subject – faith. One of Sam’s issues with John (and he has a lot) is that John expects them to follow him unquestioningly and Sam has a lot of questions. Dean had complete faith in his Dad, he didn’t need to know all the details to trust that he would lead them the right way (this is perfectly demonstrated in Sam and John’s argument later in the first season). But when it comes to God, Dean has no faith whatsoever. Sam, however, does have faith in God, for a long time (until the end of season 14 I think). He chooses to hope, to pray even when he doesn’t know if anyone is listening. This conversation does remind me of Chuck in some ways. He manipulates the boys into doing things, going places, but he never outright tells them what to do. I don’t know … this is making me wonder what a comprehensive study of Chuck vs John Winchester would bring up… but I don’t care enough to really do it. Just think about it.  

Dean: “All that anger, you can’t keep it burning over the long haul, it’s gonna kill you.”

Hey, 2005 Dean? Could you maybe come talk to 2020 Dean and give him some advice? A few pointers? Yeah, thanks, that’d be nice.

Oh no, the protective older siblings got taken! Now it’s up to the plucky little brothers to save the day!

Lmao the trail of m&m’s.

Solidifying the parallels at the end there, Sam shadowing little brother Ben, Hailey talking to older sibling Dean. They found their brother, the Winchesters will find their dad.

Reminder that black panther is a superhero movie. A revolutionary one but still a superhero movie.

If you really wanna make a difference. Learn from the wisdom that was put into the movie. Learn to unify,learn to become better people by working together and letting go of racist and prejudice behaviors. Learn to become one people. Learn to help others even when your scared to. And just because you have a kind heart like t'challa doesn't mean your not strong. You can cry and feel. Your human. But you can pick yourself up,go out there n kick ass.

And not everyone who is family is a good person. And sometimes you have to let them go. Not everyone who you think is a bad guy is truly a bad guy. Learn to educate other to become better people. Respect other cultures.these lessons were shown in black panther.

And look beyond the fact killmonger was played by the sexy Michael b Jordan. His character was fucked up and sad and hurt. He was selfish. Not beknowing to himself though. He didn't know what he was doing was hurtful. T'challa never had a chance to tell him, tell his cousin he was loved n he wa trying to help him. Killmonger was too blind by rage,hate and vengeance. He was hurt.

But killmonger,Erik, he didn't wanna attone for what he did. He took a cowardly way out. And no he is not his ancestors,he's his own man with his own decisions,he alone had the power to take control of his life but gave into grief and suffering,the streets n the harshness of the American imperialism got to him. He is also part wakandian. And he doesn't ever truly understand that part of him. He never got a chance to. He was manipulated by corrupt goverment. And Ross addicted that was a mistake he regretted. Ross became a better person by realizing this was wrong.

And everyone realized this man,this young boy. Was hurt. And no I'm not excusing the shit Erik did. He was terrible. We all can be terrible. But we all human bruh.

Erik made his choice by the end of the movie. But it was in those moments you felt truly that hurt n sorrow n regret in his eyes.

He'd rather die then face wakandian judgement. While selfish and a more villain trait. It is also a human trait.

Erik never learn true honor like t'challa.

Erik is that tragic villain. The true arch type of it. The one you can say is a bad guy,is scary,is selfish,is damaged,and you probably would never in a million years every bring home to momma. But you pity him.

A really well written villain makes you not like him a hate the shit he does,and you want him to pay for his crimes n injustice,but yet you pity him as a human.

Just as you would any real person.

Yes I love Erik killmonger. But I love the other. Characters as well and I wish people would give them love too.

T'challa is a better king for wakanda because he not only understand wakanda,duh he lived there his whole life. But because he has the qualities of a king and leader.

And this whole movie has morals n character depth. But nobody seems to care outside the fact everyone looks hot. Which their not lying but it's sad nobody wants to analyze this.

Also killmongers plan wasn't just to give resources back. It as to conquer n divide. He was trained to do so. Explort resources from other countries. And also start war. But some black people didn't want war. Most just wanted peace n to be treated fairly and equal as everyone else. They don't wanna be on top. They wanna be on an even playing field. And Erik never realized this.

He was too caught up in his emotions.

Erik also was whether intentional or not. Kinda of a dick towards women. And I think that is because he never had a positive woman figure in his life. Or father figure. He he nobody. T'challa had family,a people who loved him,he had his shit together, Erik didn't.

He also was brought up in the mean streets of Oakland California. That adds a whole new level of shit. He no offence was a bit on the thug side. But he didn't yet did have a choice. He could have chose to learn about his people better. Or male himself better. But he chose to give into the hate in his heart.

The world is a cruel place. But we can strive to be better. Erik is a prime example of what happens when people of color give into the hate n darkness that plauges them. Another example of a street hero of color is luke cage. He strives above the darkness and helps others even when the word hates him. He is an example of a hero that doesn't give into the bullshit thrown At him.

Not to say Erik can't be sympathized. Oh Lord Jesus no. He is. Very much so. But he's one of those people that is the very ignorance that He preaches against. He became the thing he hates. He sought to destroy not create.

All because he was scared,alone,hurt,and angry.

He wasn't done learning.

He wanted to help his people but his actions were misguided. Partiality to the fact he never had anyone to look up to.

If corruption is All you have. What are you gonna cling to in life? If all that was taught to you was hate n destruction?

If he had been taught to love. Maybe just maybe he could be a great person .

It he didn't want to. He was too stubborn.

He wanted to be right. Instead of getting help.

Please don't water him down when you write fics.

He is an antagonist ,a villain, a bad guy. And just because he is doesn't mean he can't be sympathetic or relatable.

He is the polar opposite of t'challa. Treat it as such. An equal and yet two different sides of the coin.